Bentley's hands burned where they touched her exposed mid-section. "Okay, get into position. Now, relax your knees. You have to stay loose. And get on your toes. No fight happens at a stand still."

Sara did as she was told. She leaned forward slightly, feeling Bentley's hands maneuver her into proper fighting form.

Standing close behind her, he took her arm and showed her how to strike a punch.

At first, he had Sara hit the bag very softly, using only her arm. And then he showed her how to punch the bag using all of her body weight. Her punch came out much stronger. Still, the punching bag didn't even move.

"That's really good," Bentley said laughing. "You're a natural."

Sara spun to face him. "You forget I used to play soccer. And I am on the field hockey team."

Bentley's eyes narrowed. He licked his lips invitingly. "All right then. Fight me," he said. He put up his hands, clenching them into fists.

Sara's eyes bulged. "Are you joking? You'll kill me!"

Bentley tipped back his head and did his bell-like laugh. It was the most wonderful sound in the world.

Sara quickly gave him a soft punch to the chest.

"HEY! No fair! I wasn't ready," he said. He narrowed his eyes again and lowered his body into a crouch. "Okay. Now try to hit me."

The gloves were heavy. Sara struggled to keep them on her small wrists. She threw out a pathetic punch to his face.

He ducked by the blow easily. "Keep your gloves NEAR your face!" he yelled. He gently swatted her cheek with his hand.

Sara's eyes blurred, but it wasn't from pain. His touch alone seemed to ignite her entire body.

She held up the gloves again, closer to her face. She would not let him think she was some weak little wimp.

"Good. Better. Now come at me! And STAY ON YOUR TOES!" he called. He crouched down again, rotating his feet from side to side.

He was way too cute right now. It really wasn't a fair fight when her brain was all scrambled. She tried to hit him again with her glove.

Again, he ducked away easily. "Good!" he said, encouragingly.

Sara did a few more punches. Each time, Bentley ducked his head away, laughing hysterically.

"Hey, what's that?" Sara asked, pointing over his shoulder.

Bentley raised an eyebrow. "I'm NOT falling for that one," he snickered.

Sara flung her hands up and pretended to scream. "WATCH OUT!"

This time, Bentley's eyes snapped around, confused.

Sara struck him hard in the stomach.

"GOTCHA!" she yelled.

His head spun back around in surprise. "FOUL!" he hollered. He dove on top of her. They crashed to the ground, with him cradling her head so she didn't strike it against the floor.

Their faces were inches apart.

Sara felt her breath hitch as she stared up at him.

But then he started to tickle her.

"AHH!!!!!" Sara screamed. She tried to roll away from him, but he had her pinned beneath him.

"Serves you right, little rule breaker," he said. His hands roamed feverishly up under her shirt, leaving a scorching trail of heat across her stomach, hips, and back.

Sara continued to squeal loudly. The tickles caused her eyes to water.

She hadn't realized she'd closed her eyes. When she opened them, Bentley had gone still. He stared down at her with that remarkable, awe-filled expression. His eyes held that dark, smoldering look. He slowly lowered his face to hers, their lips almost touching.

Is he going to kiss me? Sara thought, her heartbeat wild.